Chris Johnson back from oil change

Preseason records really are irrelevant, because the 0-3 Raiders were a happy bunch on Tuesday. It was their first day back practicing in Alameda, and the locker room was full of laughs thanks to Khalif Barnes and Stanford Routt, among others.

Some of Chris Johnson’s teammates made it a point to make a big deal to reporters about his return to the practice field. And it was a big deal, since coach Hue Jackson had just said Sunday night that the cornerback would not be returning to practice this week.

He had surgery for an undisclosed injury just two weeks ago, a procedure that Johnson himnself called an “oil change.” Jackson said Johnson’s injury was similar to that of receiver Louis Murphy, who had groin and hamstring issues.

Johnson, who was running on the side the last few days in Napa, said “hands down” he is playing in the season opener Sept. 12.

“I’ve felt better the last couple weeks than I’ve felt in the last two years,” Johnson said. “So, it’s a big improvement I feel in my body. I’m just ready to go.”

But not Friday. Johnson will err on the side of caution and sit out the preseason finale in Seattle. His replacement, rookie DeMarcus Van Dyke, will get some more seasoning after being roasted by the Saints on Sunday.

“Our guys, they can run with anybody, so we just have to turn our heads,” Johnson said. “People see we’re there. All you’ve got to do is turn your head and it’s a pick.”

Roll call: Besides Johnson, defensive tackle John Henderson was back after missing a week with a leg injury. Defensive tackle Richard Seymour was still out with a hamstring injury but Jackson said “he’ll be fine.” Guard Stefen Wisniewski sat out with a “little ding.”